LONDON: Three Royal Navy personnel were killed after a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed during a training exercise in southwest England on Wednesday, military officials said.
The helicopter, part of the Royal Marines’ Commando Helicopter Force based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, went down near Okehampton Battle Camp in Devon. Wreckage from the aircraft was visible in a nearby field following the crash.
A Royal Navy spokesperson confirmed that three service members died at the scene and said their families had been notified.
“The families of the service personnel have been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released,” the spokesperson said.
The Royal Navy expressed its support for the families, friends and colleagues of those killed in the accident.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the incident as “utterly tragic” and extended his condolences to the victims’ loved ones.
Utterly tragic.
My thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives this morning.
Thank you to the emergency services responding to this horrific incident. https://t.co/4K5gp30Oly
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 3, 2026
“My thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives,” Starmer said.
First Sea Lord Gen. Sir Gwyn Jenkins and Defense Secretary John Healey also paid tribute to the deceased personnel and offered condolences to their families.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. While the circumstances remain unclear, witnesses reported apparent mechanical difficulties before the helicopter went down.
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Emergency responders, Royal Navy personnel and investigators from the Civil Aviation Authority attended the scene. Fire and rescue crews remained at the site as investigators continued their work.
The Merlin helicopter fleet has been involved in several previous incidents. In 2000, a Royal Navy Merlin ditched off the Isle of Skye, with all crew members rescued. Another Merlin crashed at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall in 2004, injuring five crew members but causing no fatalities. In September 2024, a Merlin Mk4 ditched in the English Channel during a training exercise, resulting in one death.
